Retaining walls-suggestions???

[beenthere]

<font color=blue>""Not just because they eventually rot, but freeze/thaw cycling on wood can be devastating to it. <font color=black>""

I think your point that wood for a retaining wall is not that permanent is very good and a wise concern (especially used telephone poles). However, the comment that "freeze/thaw cycling on wood can be devastating to it" doesn't compute with me. Can you elaborate on what you mean by that?

 

[kyoders]

beenthere,

Here in western NC, and in SW Ohio, the winters are typically below freezing for a few days, then above for several more, back and forth probably 15-20 times. I and my neighbor have some small walls/steps built from 6x5 landscape timbers, none over 4 years old, put in by the builder. My small wall has 2 timbers split, causing the back side to twist forward about 3 or 4 inches. My neighbor has several steps that are in bad shape, as well as a section of the wall coming out.

I believe most of the damage has been caused by water penetrating the timbers, then freezing. There are sections where there was an existing crack/void, and those have all been pushed out, while adjacent areas with no voids/cracks have not. From that, I concluded it had to have something to do with the water getting in the voids.

At this point, I doubt the one wall is going to last more than 3 or 4 more years, and replacing it is going to be big bucks (a whole lot more than if the builder had done it "right" to begin with). That is why I generally relegate wood walls to areas where there is no structural reason for having it, and where it can easily be replaced when needed. In those cases, the wood can be cost effective (especially if the wood is free, as in your case).

Kevin

 

[bgott]

I love my TN. I was looking at compacts and decided that I didn't want to limit myself by buying too small a tractor. There is only one place on my properties that it won't fit into that I need to fill with dirt and a chainsaw will cure that. I've shoehorned this thing into some really tight places. I can lift 3000 pounds with the loader and it will lift high enough to load a 40 yard dumpster over the side. The only problems I've had with it, besides problems with the diff lock, have been with the dealer installed loader. I recommend it without reservations!

 

[Robert_in_NY]

What problem did you have with the dif lock? Right now I am having a problem with a short in the 12v power supply harness. I have no power to my 12v socket and when I replace the fuse for it since it was blown it leaves the dash lights on. My dealer is going to fix it and put it thru another tractors warranty so it won't cost me anything to fix. I am curious about the dif though since my tractor will probally be picked up today and I might have them look at that as well if it is something to worry about. Take care.

 

[bgott]

They had a recall on the TN 65 because the diff lock wouldn't work. I learned about it here on TBN but me and this search engine don't get along so I can't give you the post to reference. Anyway, they take the mechanism apart and use anti seize to lubricate it, if I remember right. Mine seems to be hanging up again. The dealer pulled the right rear tire to access the mechanism. Recall # 509 keeps sticking in my mind but I wouldn't make book on it. If it's a recall you ought to be able to get it done for free.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I had that done a while ago. I wasn't sure if you had another problem with the dif lock that I did not know about. Either way, I am glad I bought the TN. I have one of the first ones sold and have had about every problem mentioned but the tractor has still exceeded my expectations before I bought. Well, Have a great day and talk to you later.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Groan . . . well, you guys have convinced me. Initially I will simply level it and use slopes along the edges in lieu of retaining walls (i.e. no leveling to the edges). When that's done we will see-if left that way for the buyer fine, if not, it will be easier to put them in later anyway. Frankly, on reflection, I guess I should probably be spending time finding a buyer FIRST, then doing the modifications required-ah, well, putting the cart before the horse is just one of my many failings in life! The max value will be when they break ground for the new convention center and that may be awhile longer. I will proceed with a commercial access though (I have plans from MoDot-Missouri Department of Transportation-they have looked at the property & said they would approve access) as I can use that myself until it is sold-and it will certainly add value. The post about a 60' retaining wall collapsing . . . ugh. Wasn't that built with engineering plans, "professional" contractors, etc.? Do I really need to dig out my copy of Civil Engineering Handbook & spend days & do calculations, etc. myself? Anyway, thanks guys. John P.S. Brad, glad you like your TN-almost makes my wish I'd went that route-of course, can always trade up. In the mean time, I've got the extra $8-$9k on hand. Also, saw a factory TN in yellow recently-they are supposedly selling them for "commercial" use. Take care all.

 

[bgott]

An extra 8 or 9 grand, eh? What were your quotes on the TN and the TC?

 

[Anonymous Poster]

The last I heard on the 60 foot retaining wall was that the contractor was on the hook for not installing it according to spec.

In any case, it's a costly situation. If I am in that area in the next couple of weeks I will take a picture and post it.

John

 

[Anonymous Poster]

Brad: I paid $15,486 for TC40, 4wd, deluxe 3-point, fold ROPS, R4s, 1 set of remotes, dealer added temp guage. The LA16 loader, grill guard, 72" HD bucket, skid steer quick attach, 758C BH, 36" cemetery bucket was $11,030. [$26,516 in all] The TN55, 4wd, dual remotes, extend links, hi vol hydraulic pump, 8x8 synchro trans was $22,000. LA32 w-msl was $5,100 and a 758C BH w-16" bucket was an additional $6,475 (actual quotes-he had the TN & loader on lot to deliver). [$33,575 in all]. Actually, had I gone the TN route, I would have gotton a larger BH since the tractor & hydraulics could have handled it easily. Also, the TN65 is the exact same engine as the TN55 except it has been tweaked to add a few more HP-that would have added about $1250. So . . . I figure I would have spent around $35k for the TN vs. the $26,516 for the TC, or, a hair less than $9k difference. One of the problems in buying tractors is determining dealer cost. I was never able to find a "wholesale/dealer cost" price guide like those available for autos & small trucks. So, a dealer could give you a price and it might be a super deal, or, somewhat less than generous. Thus the only way is to check around at different dealers to get a handle on what is a good price. I didn't buy the TC from the absolute lowest quote because I had some experience with another dealer from whom I bought a 22' gooseneck trailer and some implements, but I did use the lowest quote to get him to come down some. I had been shopping for awhile and it had reached the point where he wanted to do a deal even if he didn't make as much on it, i.e. as much a matter of satisfaction as anything. Frankly, just as sellers use psychology on the buyer, the buyer can do the same turnabout against the seller. Anyway, hope the above answers your question. Actually, this would probably be better posted in NH pricing forum. Take care. John P.S. saw my new TC yesterday-was delivered to dealer from Georgia thurs eve. should be ready for me to pick up within week/10 days as soon as the hoe gets there. P.P.S. Brad, just out of curiosity, are the above prices consistent with your experience???